A Chiropractor Answers Sciatica FAQs
Wondering whether a chiropractor can treat sciatica pain? Read on to learn more. Sciatica affects millions of people in the United States every year. The symptoms can disrupt your ability to function at an optimal level, but the good news is that there are effective ways to relieve sciatica symptoms and help reduce the risk of future sciatica concerns through treatment from a chiropractor.
FAQs about sciatica from a chiropractor
It is helpful to understand more about what sciatica is, the symptoms, and treatment options. The following are answers from a chiropractor on how you can determine whether your symptoms are likely to be from sciatica, how you can treat them, and what you can do to prevent a future episode.
What is sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. Sciatica refers to a condition in which the sciatic nerve, which is in the spinal cord in the lower back and splits down the legs and lower body, becomes compressed and irritated. Sciatica can be caused by anything that involves the sciatic nerve, such as a herniated disc or bone spur. Age-related spinal degeneration is a common cause of sciatica, as well.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
Sciatica usually presents itself as pain in the lower back and upper leg. A tingling or numb feeling in certain parts of the lower body is common as well, especially in the feet. Many also have a loss of muscle control and may experience weakness. Most often, sciatica affects one side of the lower body more than the other, although some patients experience symptoms on both sides.
How can a chiropractor help treat sciatica?
A chiropractor can help treat sciatica by identifying what is causing the sciatic nerve to be compressed and relieving the pressure. This may involve correcting imbalances with the vertebral alignment through adjustments, heat and ice therapy to decrease inflammation, building spinal support through exercise, and soft tissue therapies, among other possible treatments. Every case is different, and the treatment plan should be personalized according to the patient’s needs.
How long does sciatica last?
Sciatica can last from a day to more than a few weeks. Many cases of sciatica can improve on their own, but it often requires the treatment of a professional to ensure the symptoms do not linger or become severe. Those who experience sciatica are at an increased risk of additional episodes in the future.
How can sciatica be prevented?
Regular adjustments with a chiropractor may help reduce the risk of sciatica in the future. Many chiropractors also recommend weight management and maintaining toned muscles in the lower back and lower body to help reduce the risk of future sciatica symptoms. Stretching regularly may also help reduce the risk of sciatica, especially for those who sit for extended periods of the day.
Additional insights about treatment from a chiropractor
The following are some additional insights about chiropractic care and how it can help with back and leg-related issues such as sciatica.
How does chiropractic care compare with general medicine?
Chiropractic care is a specialized form of medical care that focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. A general medicine practitioner, on the other hand, treats a much broader range of issues. Additionally, general medicine more often involves treatment in the form of medications and/or surgery. Chiropractic care is often utilized as an alternative to surgery and prescription medications.
How long does it take to see results from chiropractic treatment?
Some patients see notable improvements in how they feel after the first visit to the chiropractor. However, regular visits are encouraged to help ensure long-term pain alleviation. Many patients are asked to visit two to three times a week for up to a month to receive the most benefit from chiropractic care.
What other concerns can a chiropractor help treat?
Chiropractors can treat a range of concerns associated with the back, upper leg, and neck. In addition to sciatica, chiropractors can also help treat nerve pain, muscle pain, and joint pain related to the back, neck, and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.
Schedule a chiropractic visit for sciatica relief
Call our chiropractic team today or send us a message to learn more about sciatica and how we can help you find long-term relief. We understand how discomforting and disruptive to your daily life sciatica can be, and we are here to help you get back to feeling healthy, vibrant, and free of sciatica symptoms.
Get more information here: https://spine-chiropractic.com or call Spine Chiropractic at (423) 910-2302
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